From cathedral to cathedral on the trail of St. Boniface

Set amid varied countryside, the well-signposted 185km St. Boniface Route takes in fascinating places of interest as it makes its way from Mainz to Fulda, two episcopal cities with impressive cathedrals. .

Boniface, born to a noble family in Wessex in 672 or 675 and originally named Wynfreth, was one of the most important preachers and reformers of the early Middle Ages. Even today, many things still recall this Benedictine monk and bear his name. A fascinating trail with plenty of places where pilgrim records can be stamped, the St. Boniface Route is ideal for walkers and modern-day pilgrims. It retraces the path taken by the medieval funeral procession that carried the body of the missionary and church reformer Boniface, who was greatly mourned by the people, from Mainz to his final resting place in Fulda in 754. Along the way, pilgrims can enjoy a variety of scenery including gently rolling vineyards and open plains that give way to densely wooded hills and meandering valleys. Pilgrims will also pass a series of stone monuments to Christian culture, from tranquil abbeys and old country chapels to stone crosses, wayside shrines and romantic village churches. Cities, towns, pretty villages and a number of impressive buildings dating from the Romanesque through to the Gothic and baroque eras stand as reminders of the region's rich and turbulent history. All of the cities, towns and villages along the route are well served by public transport and offer a range of accommodation.